GB2486984A

GB2486984A - A USB connector with relatively movable modules

Info

Publication number: GB2486984A
Application number: GB1122351.8A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Wen-Yung Liao; Wen-Fu Liao; Sheng-Hsin Liao
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2010-12-31
Filing date: 2011-12-28
Publication date: 2012-07-04
Anticipated expiration: 2031-12-28
Also published as: JP5351248B2; GB2486984B; TWI513112B; DE102011057115A1; TW201228125A; JP2012142281A; AU2012200021A1; GB201122351D0; AU2012200021B2; FR2970121A1

Abstract

A USB connector includes a first module 100 and a second module 200. The first module comprises a first insulating body 1, first terminals 3, and optionally a first shell (5, Fig 2). The second module comprises a second insulating body 2, second terminals 4, and optionally a second shell (6, Fig 2). The first and second modules are movably coupled relative to each other, for use independently or jointly, for example for the first module to be used alone as a USB 2.0 connector or for the modules to be used jointly as a USB 3.0 connector. The second module may slide relative to the first by moving knob 23, pivot horizontally (Fig 6) or vertically (Fig 8), or may snap to the first module (Fig 16). The joint connector may be a USB 3.0 micro B or a USB 3.0 standard B (Fig 9). The connector may act as an adapter by having a further USB connector (20, Fig 12), or it may have a hinged adapter (300, Fig 14) at its front.

Description

USB CONNECTOR

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

100011 The instant disclosure relates to a networking connector; more particularly, to a USB (Universal Serial Bus) 3.0 connector.

Description of Related Art

100021 The USB connectors are one of most commonly used networking connectors. Many computer peripherals are equipped with USB connectors for data transfer.

100031 In particular, the USB 3.0 connector is designed to be backwards compatible with USB 2.0 connector. For smaller devices, the USB 3.0 Micro-B connectors have been developed. The micro-B type connectors are thinner, which are ideal for portable electronic devices such as mobile phones.

100041 However, current USB 3.0 connectors (e.g. micro-B type) are made in one-piece. Namely, the first and second terminals are disposed on a same insulating body. Thus, the first and second terminals must be used simultaneously. In other words, the first and second terminals can not be used separately, thereby limiting its capability.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

100051 The instant disclosure is to provide a USB connector, wherein a first module and a second module of the connector can be used separately or jointly.

100061 The connector comprises: a first insulating body; a second insulating body; a plurality of first terminals disposed on the first insulating body in forming a first module; and a plurality of second terminals disposed on the second insulating body in forming a second module, wherein the first and second modules are arranged in parallel and are movably coupled via a coupling mechanism.

100071 According to another aspect of the instant disclosure, a USB connector comprises: a first insulating body; a second insulating body; a plurality of first terminals disposed on the first insulating body forming a first module; and a plurality of second terminals disposed on the second insulating body forming a second module, wherein the first and second modules are stacked and are movably coupled via a coupling mechanism.

100081 For the advantage, each of the first module and the second modules of the instant disclosure are an independent unit. Both modules can work individually or jointly. Thereby, the disclosed connector has a broader application range and more convenience.

100091 In order to further appreciate the characteristics and technical contents of the instant disclosure, references are hereunder made to the detailed descriptions and appended drawings in connection with the instant disclosure.

However, the appended drawings are merely shown for exemplary purposes, rather than being used to restrict the scope of the instant disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

100101 Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a connector of a first

embodiment of the instant disclosure.

100111 Fig. 2 shows another perspective view of the connector of the first embodiment.

100121 Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of the connector of the first embodiment in use.

100131 Fig. 4 shows another perspective view of the connector of the first embodiment in use.

100141 Fig. 5 shows a perspective view of a connector of a second

embodiment of the instant disclosure in use.

100151 Fig. 6 shows another perspective view of the connector of the second embodiment in use.

100161 Fig. 7 shows a perspective view of a connector of a third

embodiment of the instant disclosure in use.

100171 Fig. 8 shows another perspective view of the connector of the third embodiment in use.

100181 Fig. 9 shows a perspective view of a connector of a fourth

embodiment of the instant disclosure in use.

100191 Fig. 10 shows a perspective view of a connector of a fifth

embodiment of the instant disclosure in use.

100201 Fig. 11 shows a perspective view of a connector of a sixth

embodiment of the instant disclosure in use.

100211 Fig. 12 shows a perspective view of a connector of a seventh

embodiment of the instant disclosure in use.

[0022] Fig. 13 shows a perspective view of a connector of an eighth

embodiment of the instant disclosure in use.

100231 Fig. 14 shows a perspective view of a connector of a ninth

embodiment of the instant disclosure in use.

100241 Fig. 15 shows a perspective view of a connector of a tenth

embodiment of the instant disclosure in use.

100251 Fig. 16 shows a schematic view of a connector of an eleventh

embodiment of the instant disclosure in use.

100261 Fig. 17 shows a schematic view of a connector of a twelfth

embodiment of the instant disclosure in use.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

100271 Please refer to Figs. 1 4, which show a first exemplary embodiment of the USB connector of in accordance with the instant disclosure.

Particularly, the instant embodiments are of a high-frequency micro-USB type connector, which meets the specification of a IJSB 3.0 Micro-B connector.

The connector comprises a first insulating body (1), a second insulating body (2), a plurality of first terminals (3), and a plurality of second terminals (4).

For the ease of reference, we define the plugging direction toward which the electric terminals (3, 4) are exposedly pointing to be the forward (frontal) direction, and vice versa.

100281 The first ii1sulating body (1) has a first base portion (11), in which a first tongue plate (12) extends forwardly from the first base portion (11). The first terminals (3) are disposed on the first insulating body (1). In particular, the first terminals (3) are generally elongated conductive elements disposed in the first base portion (11) and arranged exposedly from the first tongue plate (12) in a manner that conforms to the USB 2.0 specification.

Functionally, the first terminals (3) are utilized for USB 2.0 data transmission.

Each of the first terminals (3) has a first fixing portion (31), a first contacting portion (32), and a first soldering portion (33). In the instant embodiment, the first terminals (3) are arranged generally parallel along the long axis of the first insulating body (1). The first fixing portion (31) is disposed embeddedly (and partially exposedly) in the first base portion (11). Each of the first contacting portions (32) extends forwardly from the first fixing portion (31) and electric-connectively exposed fiom the first tongue plate (12). Each of the first soldering portions (33) extends backwardly from the first fixing portion (31) and exposes from the rear end of the first insulating body (1).

100291 The second insulating body (2) includes a second base portion (21) and a second tongue plate (22). The second tongue plate (22) extends forwardly from the second base portion (21). The second terminals (4) are generally elongated conductive elements disposed in the second base portion (2) and arranged exposedly from the second tongue plate (22). In particular, the second terminals (4) are generally elongated conductive elements disposed in the second base portion (21) and arranged exposedly from the second tongue plate (22) in a manner that conforms to the USB 3.0 specification. Together, the first and the second terminals (3, 4) enable USB 3.0 data transmission.

The second terminals (4) are made up by two pairs of high-frequency data transfer terminals arranged on the flank and a ground terminal arranged there-between. Specifically, each of the second terminals (4) has a second fixing portion (41), a second contacting portion (42), and a second soldering portion (43). In the instant embodiment, the second terminals (4) are arranged generally parallel along the long axis of the second insulating body (2). The second fixing portion (41) is disposed embeddedly (and partially exposedly) in the second base portion (21). Each of the second contacting portions (42) extends forwardly from the second fixing portion (41) electric-connectively exposed from the second tongue plate (22). Each of the second soldering portions (43) extends backwardly from the second fixing portion @1) and exposes from the rear end of the second insulating body (2). The first soldering portions (33) of the first terminals (3) and the second soldering portions (43) of the second terminals (4) are usually soldered to cables to form a cable connector. However, the soldering portions can also be adapted to other devices in other manners without restriction.

100301 The instant USB connector can further include a first shell (5) and a second shell (6) (shown in Fig. 2). The first shell (5) is disposed over the first insulating body (1) and the first terminals (3). The first shell (5) is a generally hollow tubular structure that defines a first enclosure (51) for receiving the first insulating body (1) and the first terminals (3). The second shell (6) is disposed over the second insulating body (2) and the second terminals (4) thereof Likewise, the second shell (6) defines a second enclosure (61) for receiving the second insulating body (2) and the second terminals (4).

100311 Together, the first insulating body (1) and the first terminals (3) define a first module (100). Likewise, the second insulating body (2) and the second terminals (4) define a second module (200). The first and second modules (100, 200) are electrically independent units arranged abreast, (i.e. immediately side-by-side) of each other along the long axes thereof (generally parallel to each other). The first and second modules (100, 200) are coupled through a coupling mechanism, and can be arranged pivotally and/or slidably in a movable manner with respect to each other by means of pivoting, sliding, and/or wedging mechanisms. However, the exact coupling technique or structural arrangement for the connector modules shall depend on specific operational requirement or practical needs and not be limited to the exemplary embodiments provided herein. For example, the connector modules can be arranged to turn sideways, pivot up and down, or slide in-and-out with respect to each other. Also, one of the modules can be fixed with respect to the connector housing while the other one be movable. Alternatively, both modules can be movably arranged. Thus, depending on application, the two independent connector modules of the instant USB plug connector can be arranged to function separately (as a USB 2.0 connector) or coupled together to function as a single (USB 3.0) plug connector.

100321 In the instant embodiment, the first and second modules (100, 200) are coupled slidably relative to each other along the direction of the long axes thereof Particularly, a sliding mechanism (8) is arranged between the immediately adjacent first and second modules (100, 200) (on the shorter/ flat side surface thereot) to enable horizontal relative sliding movement.

Specifically, the sliding mechanism (8) may be a pair of matchingly engageable wedged sliding members (81, 82) arranged between the first and second insulating bodies (1, 2). For example, the sliding member (81) defined by a dovetailed recess may be formed on the first insulating body (1).

Correspondingly, the sliding member (82) having a dovetailed protrusion may be provided on the second insulating body (2). The sliding members (81, 82) work cooperatively to establish slidable engagement between the first insulating body (1) and the second insulating body (2). Of course, the sliding mechanism (8) is not restricted structurally to the exemplary embodiment disclosed herein, and can be modified! altered depending on specific operational requirements.

100331 In the instant embodiment, the exemplary USB connector includes a housing (10), in which at least one of the first and second modules (100, 200) is movably (retractably! exposably) received. The sliding mechanism (8) (arranged between the insulating bodies (1, 2)) and the housing (10) cooperatively define a coupling mechanism that enables slidable retention of the first and second modules (100, 200) in the USB connector. For the instant embodiment, the second module (200) can be retracted (i.e. slide backward), as shown in Fig. 4. In this manner, only the first module (100) is available for plugging connection. A knob (23) can be arranged on the second insulating body (2) to enable easier manipulation in sliding the second module (200) inward or outward. Of course, the first and second modules (100, 200) can be extended simultaneously as indicated in Fig. 3 to form a USB 3.0 connector.

100341 Again, in the instant embodiment, the first module (100) is exposedly fixed in the housing (10) in a non-slidable manner. Only the second module (200) is slidably disposed in the housing (10). Of course, both the first and second modules (100, 200) may be slidably arranged in the housing (10). Alternatively, the first module (100) can be slidably disposed on the housing (10), while keeping the second module (200) exposedly fixed.

In other words, for the modules to be used separately or jointly, depending on operational requirement.

(Second Embodiment) 100351 Please refer to Figs. 5 and 6, which show a second embodiment of the instant disclosure. In the second embodiment, the at least one of the first and second modules (100, 200) is pivotably arranged in the housing (10) (shorter side surface). A pivotal mechanism (7) is arranged at the rear end portion of the second module (200), with the pivotal axis is substantially perpendicular to the long axis of the second insulating body (2) (and in this case, along the shorter side suiface and substantially normal to the wider/flat

S

side surface thereof referring to as the plumb line). The pivotal mechanism (7) can be arranged between the second module (200) and the housing (10).

The pivotal mechanism (7) may be implemented by many methods, including the utilization of short pivot shafts through pivot holes. For example, a pivot shaft (71) can be protrudingly arranged on the second insulating body (2), while corresponding pivot holes (72) are formed on the housing (10) (and vice versa). The pivot shaft (71) and pivot holes (72) work together to enable pivotal retention of the second insulating body (2) in the housing (10). Of course, the exact structural arrangement of the pivotal mechanism (7) shall not be restricted to the exemplary embodiment disclosed herein, and can be rnodified/ altered depending on specific operational requirements 100361 In the instant embodiment, the exemplary USB connector includes a housing (10), in which at least one of the first and second modules (100, 200) is exposedly and pivotably housed therein. In this case, the pivotal mechanism (7) and the housing (10) cooperatively define the coupling mechanism that enables pivotal retention of the first and second connector modules (100, 200) in the USB connector. Thus, the modules (100, 200) can be turned sideways with respect to one another. As shown in Fig. 6, the second module (200) can be turned to one side. Thus, only the first module (100) is used for plugging connection. Of course, as shown in Fig. 5, both modules can be used simultaneously for electrical connection. Specifically, in the second embodiment, the first module (100) is fixed exposedly in the housing (10), while only the second module (200) is pivotally mounted in the housing (10).

100371 Not shown from the drawings, the first and second modules (100, 200) can be coupled by a snap structure. The snap structure can be disposed in between the first and second insulating bodies (1, 2), or among the first insulating body (1), the second insulating body (2), and the housing (10). The snap structure is not restricted structurally, which can be a pair of snapping members that engages matchingly to snap the first insulating body (1) with the second insulating body (2). The snap structure can also include snapping members that couples the first insulating body (1), the second insulating body (2), and the housing (10).

(Third Embodiment) 100381 Please refer to Figs. 7 and 8, which show a third embodiment of the instant disclosure. For the third embodiment, the first and second modules (100, 200) are pivotally mounted relative to each other on the housing (10), for flipping upward or downward. A pivotal mechanism (9) is disposed at the rear of the second module (200), wherein the pivot axis of the second module (200) runs through the first and second insulating bodies (1, 2). The pivotal mechanism (9) can be disposed in between the second module (200) and the housing (10), or in between the first and second modules (100, 200). The pivotal mechanism (9) is not restricted structurally, which can include a short shaft through pivot holes. For example, a pivot shaft (91) can be disposed (or pivot holes formed) on the second insulating body (2). Correspondingly, pivot holes (92) can be formed (or a pivot shaft disposed) on the housing (10).

The pivot shaft (91) and pivot holes (92) work together to mount the second insulating body (2) pivotally to the housing (10).

100391 For the instant embodiment, the first and second modules (100, 200) can be movably combined relative to each other by the coupling mechanism, wherein the coupling mechanism is formed of the pivotal mechanism (9) and the housing (10). The modules can be flipped upward or downward relative to one another. As shown in Fig. 8, the second module (200) can be pointed upward or downward. Thus, only the first module (100) is used for electrical connection. Of course, as shown in Fig. 7, both modules can also be used simultaneously to make the electrical connection as well.

100401 For the instant embodiment, the first module (100) is fixed to the housing (10). Therefore, the first module (100) can not be flipped. Only the second module (200) is flippably disposed on the housing (10). The first and second modules (100, 200) can be coupled pivotally relative to one another by the pivotal mechanism (9). The pivotal mechanism (9) can be disposed in between the first and second insulating bodies (1, 2), or among the first insulating body (1), the second insulating body (2), and the housing (10). The pivotal mechanism (9) can couple the first insulating body (1) with the second insulating body (2) pivotally, or for coupling the first insulating body (1), the second insulating body (2), and the housing (10) pivotally.

100411 For the aforementioned embodiments, if one or more of the modules are movably disposed, a longer connecting cable is preferred to avoid snapping the cable, such as when turning or flipping the module. For the same reason, the connecting cable can also be allowed to pass through the pivotal mechanisms (7, 9) to ensure smooth operation of the connector.

(Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth Embodiment) 100421 Please refer to Figs. 9, 10, and 11, which show a fourth, fifth, and sixth embodiment of the instant disclosure respectively. For the fourth, fifth, and sixth embodiment, a USB 3.0 Type B connector is disclosed. The connector includes the first insulating body (1), the second insulating body (2), the first terminals (3), the second terminals (4), the first shell (5), and the second shell (6). Structurally, the connector is generally similar to the first, second, and third embodiments. However, the connector is specifically of a USB 3.0 Type B connectoi For the fourth, fifth, and sixth embodiment, each of the first module and second modules (100, 200) is also an independent module by itself The first and second modules (100, 200) are movably stacked relative to one another for using independently or jointly. The first and second modules (100, 200) can be movably coupled relative to each other by the pivotal mechanism, sliding mechanism, or snap structure in addition to the housing (10). Relative to one another, the first and second modules (100, 200) can be turned, slid, or flipped.

100431 Also, the pivoting, sliding, and snap structures are not restricted in between the first and second insulating bodies (1, 2). These structures can also be disposed in between the first and second shells (5, 6), or among the first insulating body (1), the second insulating body (2), and the housing (10).

Alternatively, a first outer cover (not shown) can be disposed over the first module (100), and a second outer cover (not shown) can be disposed over the second module (200). Then, the aforementioned structures can be disposed in between the first and second outer covers to form the coupling mechanism.

Thus, the first and second modules (100, 200) can be movably coupled relative to one another.

(Seventh and Eighth Embodiment) 100441 Please refer to Figs. 12 and 13, which show a seventh and eighth embodiment respectively. The instant embodiments disclose a USB 3.0 Micro-B type connector. The rear end of the connector is connected to another IJSB connector (20). In particular, the first soldering portion (33) of the first terminals (3) and the second soldering portion (43) of the second terminals (4) are connected electrically to the corresponding terminals (not shown) of the USB connector (20). Thus, an adapter is created. The USB connector (20) can be a USB 3.0 Type B connector (Fig. 12), USB 3.0 Type A connector (Fig. 13), or other types of connector.

(Ninth, Tenth Embodiment) 100451 Please refer to Figs. 14 and 15, which show a ninth and tenth embodiments respectively. A groove (400) is slotted on each side surface of the connector for receiving an adapter (300). The adapter (300) has two arms (301), where each arm (301) has an engaging portion (302) formed on the inner surface thereof An electrical connection is established when the connector engages the adapter (300). If not to be used, the engaging portion (302) can travel along the groove (400) to slide the adapter (300) away from the connector, such that the modules can be exposed. The exposed modules can be turned to different directions for use independently. The adapter (300) does not need to be dismounted completely from the connector, thereby providing convenience for the user (Eleventh Embodiment) 100461 Please refer to Fig. 16, which shows an eleventh embodiment.

The first soldering portions (33) of the first terminals (3) and the second soldering portions (43) of the second terminals (4) are electrically connected to a Y splitter cable. In other words, the first and second modules (100, 200) are connected to the Y splitter cable.

(Twelfth Embodiment) 100471 Fig. 17 shows a twelfth embodiment. For the ease of manipulation, knobs (13, 23) are arranged protrudingly from the first and second insulating bodies (1, 2), respectively. Thus, the first and second modules (100,200) can be slid in and out of the housing (10). In other words, the first and second modules (100, 200) are movably disposed on the housing (10).

100481 In suniniary the first and second modules (100, 200) of the connector for the instant disclosure are movable relative to each other (e.g. pivoting, sliding, snapping). Each of the first and second modules (100, 200) is an independent module. Based on application, the modules can be used separately or jointly to expand the connector's applicability.

100491 The descriptions ifiustrated supra set forth simply the preferred embodiments of the instant disclosure; however, the characteristics of the instant disclosure are by no means restricted thereto. All changes, alternations, or modifications conveniently considered by those skilled in the art are deemed to be encompassed within the scope of the instant disclosure delineated by the following claims.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS: A USB connectoi comprising: a generally elongated first insulating body (1); a generally elongated second insulating body (2); a plurality of first terminals (3) exposedly disposed in the first insulating body (1); and a plurality of second terminals (4) exposedly disposed in the second insulating body (2), wherein the first insulating body (1) and the first terminals (3) form a first module (100), wherein the second insulating body (2) and the second terminals (4) form a second module (200), wherein the first and the second modules (100, 200) are arranged abreast of each other and coupled by a coupling mechanism in a movable manner relative to each other.
2. The USE connector of claim 1, wherein the USB connector is a USE 3.0 Micro-B connector.
3. The USE connector of claim 2, wherein the first insulating body (1) has a first base portion (11) and a first tongue plate (12), the first tongue plate (12) extends forward from the first base portion (11), wherein the second insulating body (2) has a second base portion (21) and a second tongue plate (22), the second tongue plate (22) extends forward from the second base portion (21), wherein the first terminals (3) run through the first base portion (11) and dispose on the first tongue plate (12), and wherein the second terminals (4) run through the second base portion (21) and dispose on the second tongue plate (22).
4. The USB connector of claim 3, wherein each first terminal (3) has a first fixing portion (31), a first contacting portion (32), and a first soldering portion (33), the first fixing portion (31) is ran through and disposed on the first base portion (11), the first contacting portion (32) protrudes forward from the first fixing portion (31) and is disposed on the first tongue plate (12), the first soldering portion (33) protrudes rearward from the first fixing portion (31).
5. The USB connector of claim 4, wherein each second terminal (4) has a second fixing portion (41), a second contacting portion (42), and a second soldering portion (43), the second fixing portion (41) is ran through and disposed on the second base portion (21), the second contacting portion (42) protrudes forward from the second fixing portion (41) and is disposed on the second tongue plate (22), the second soldering portion (43) protrudes rearward from the second fixing portion (41).
6. The IJSB connector of claim 2, wherein the second terminals (4) are defined by two pairs of high-frequency transfer terminals and a ground terminal disposed there-in-between.
7. The USB connector of claim 2, wherein the coupling mechanism comprises a pivotal mechanism (7, 9) and a housing (10); wherein the housing (10) covers at least the rear portions of the first and the second modules (100, 200); wherein the pivotal mechanism is arranged between the second module (200) and the housing (10) or between the first module (100) and the housing (10).
8. The USB connector of claim 7, wherein the pivot axis of the pivotal mechanism (7, 9) is along the plumb line or passes horizontally through the first and second insulating bodies (1, 2).
9. The USB connector of claim 2, wherein the coupling mechanism comprises a housing (10) covering at least the respective rear portions of the first and the second modules (100, 200); wherein at least one of the first and second modules (100, 200) is movably arranged in the housing (10).
10. The USH connector of claim 2, wherein the coupling mechanism comprises a housing (10) covering the rear portions of the first and second modules (100, 200), the first and second modules (100, 200) are movably disposed on the housing (10).
11. The USB connector of claim 2, wherein the coupling mechanism comprises a sliding mechanism (8) and a housing (10); wherein the housing (10) covers at least the respective rear portions of the first and the second modules (100, 200); wherein the sliding mechanism (8) is arranged parallel to the long axes of the first and second insulating bodies (1, 2) and between the first and the second modules (100, 200).
12. The USB connector of claim 11, wherein the sliding mechanism (8) includes two sliding members (81, 82) that engage matchingly.
13. The TJSB connector of claim 2, wherein a first shell (5) shields the first insulating body (1) and the first terminals (3), and wherein a second shell (6) shields the second insulating body (2) and the second terminals (4).
14. The USB connector of claim 2, wherein another connector (20) is coupled to the rear end of the TJSB connector, and wherein the first and second terminals (3,4) are electrically connected to the corresponding terminals of the connector (20) as an adapter.
15. The USB connector of claim 2, wherein a groove (400) is slotted on opposing side surfaces of the USB connector for sliding an adapter (300).
16. AIJSB connector, comprising: a generally elongated first insulating body (1); a generally elongated second insulating body (2); a plurality of first terminals (3) exposedly arranged on the first insulating body (1); and a plurality of second terminals 4) exposedly arranged on the second insulating body (2); wherein the first insulating body (1) and the first terminals (3) form a first module (100), wherein the second insulating body (2) and the second terminals (4) form a second module (200), wherein the first and the second modules (100. 200) are stackingly arranged abreast of each other and coupled by a coupling mechanism in a movable manner relative to each other.
17. The USB connector of claim 16, wherein the USB connector is a USB 3.0 Type B connector.
18. The USB connector of claim 17, wherein the coupling mechanism includes a pivotal mechanism (7, 9) and a housing (10); wherein the housing (10) covers at least the respective rear portions of the first and the second modules (100, 200); wherein the pivotal mechanism (7, 9) is arranged between the second module (200) and the housing (10) or between the first module (100) and the housing (10).
19. The USB connector of claim 18, wherein the pivot axis of the pivotal mechanism (7, 9) is along the plumb line or passes horizontally through the side surfaces of the housing (10).
20. The TJSB connector of claim 17, wherein the coupling mechanism comprises a housing (10) covering at least the respective rear portions of the first and second modules (100, 200); wherein at least one of the first and second modules (100, 200) is movably arranged in the housing (10).
21. The USB connector of claim 17, wherein the coupling mechanism comprises a housing (10) covering at least the respective rear portions of the first and second modules (100, 200), the first and second modules (100, 200) are both movably disposed on the housing (10).
22. The USB connector of claim 17, wherein the coupling mechanism comprises a sliding mechanism (8) and a housing (10), the housing (10) covers at least the respective rear portions of the first and second modules (100, 200), the sliding mechanism (8) is arranged along the long axes of the first and the second insulating bodies (1, 2) and between the first and the second modules (100, 200).
23. The USB connector of claim 22, wherein the sliding mechanism (8) includes two sliding members (81, 82) that engage matchingly.
24. The USB connector of claim 17, wherein another connector (20) is coupled to the rear end of the IJSB connectoi; and wherein the first and second terminals (3, 4) are electrically connected to the corresponding terminals of the connector (20) as an adapter.
25. The USB connector of claim 17, wherein a groove (400) is slotted on opposing side surfaces of the USB connector for sliding an adapter (300).